LOS ANGELES — In a preseason media poll released Tuesday during the Pac-12 football media days at Fox Studios, new league member Colorado was picked to finish six among the six teams in the Pac-12’s South Division — by a relatively large margin.

Colorado received a total of 46 points from the 42 voters. Fifth-place UCLA received 89 points.

Southern Cal was picked to win the South Division, receiving 24 first-place votes. Arizona State received 13 first-place nods and placed second in the preseason poll.

The league’s other new member, Utah, received four first-place votes and was picked to finish third, ahead of Arizona, which received one first-place vote.

Colorado quarterback Tyler Hansen at the Buffaloes' spring game on April 9.

Well, at least the rebuilding Buffaloes aren’t picked to finish last in their Pac-12 debut this fall.

I picked up a copy of the Sporting News’ 2011 College Football magazine (these preseason yearbooks seem to be published earlier every year) and saw that CU was picked for fifth in the Pac-12 South Division, ahead of UCLA, which is coached by former Buffs boss Rick Neuheisel.

The league’s other newbie, Utah, is picked by the Sporting News to win the South, followed in order by Arizona State, Southern Cal, Arizona, CU and UCLA.

Stanford is projected as the North Division winner, followed in order by Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, California and Washington State.

Pat Tillman looms large with Arizona football fans -- Sun Devils and Cardinals.

TEMPE, Ariz. — If you come down for the Colorado-ASU game Oct. 29, take some time before the game and tour ASU’s Hall of Fame room. It has an impressive display of paraphernalia from Pat Tillman, their former linebacker who turned down a $3.9 million deal from the Arizona Cardinals to join the Army.

In the Hall of Fame Room is a glass case honoring Tillman’s death in Afghanistan seven years ago. Among the featured items is his entire college transcript.

The Denver Post’s John Henderson is visiting each Pac-12 town before Colorado joins the conference next season. Follow his travels here.

TEMPE, Ariz. — I had a nice, relaxing chat with Arizona State coach Dennis Erickson on Tuesday afternoon. I can still see the heartbreak of losing four games by four points or fewer — two on blocked extra points — in a 6-6 season.

“That’s just basic football,” he said, waving his hands for emphasis.

He has two years left on his contract but everyone around here thinks it’s his year. In fact, a lot of people around the country do. Since 2006 only two teams have gone from .500 or worse to preseason Top 25 in one year: Tennessee in 2006 and Pittsburgh in 2008.